2012-03-15 - Rider Down, Richmond Park

I guess around 1pm near the bottom of Broomfield Hill. Rider flat out and face down on the grass, seemed like a fair amount of blood around the helmet. Had his riding buddies there to assist and motorist stopped - don't know if they were involved or not, hopefully just a good samaritan.

Looked like it had just happened when I passed and plenty of people already on the scene so didn't want to be an ambulance chaser and poke my nose in. Two paramedic teams in attendance by next lap. Looked a bit grim, hope you're OK dude.

was just about to head down there in this glorious sunshine... maybe not...

I know him ( a family friend). He is in hospital with a broken skull. The accident involved a rabbit running under his front wheel and the rider hitting his head on a log. Will keep you posted but he is not too good, still in hospital...

Bloody hell...thoughts with the rider!

Makes me realise how lucky Avellana was when she ran over a fox on a night ride recently.

Really hope he's ok.... fingers crossed :(

Best wishes to all involved...

Ok so now I know it wasn't a rabbit it was bloody stupid squirrel! It had caught in his bike... He was going 25mph and landed on his face. 3 days in HDU, multiple facial fractures, from what I know he is almost unrecognisable because of all the swelling and cuts but getting better really quickly.
Thanks guys!

Blinkin eck! There but for the grace of whatever your deity of choice is go any of us. Send our wishes please Lolabelle.

Will do! Thank you

Fuuucc...Get better etc!

Best wishes for a full recovery for the rider (and squirrel).

Hello guys, I was one of the people with him just before the ambulance arrived.

Yes, squirrel and very nasty injury, hope Neil is OK! (he actually removed one of those wooden posts around the perimeter, with his face)

Hero of the hour was Police Photographer Chris who put his 1st aid skills to the test.

Today he was out of bed, making himself a coffee so I guess everything is on a good way!

Good to hear.
I have to say, I've seen a lot of cycle crashes but this was the worst so far as injuries go. We were very worried at that point, especially PC chris.

i hate those wooden posts

hope he has a speedy recovery

Eeeesh. Fantastic news. Hope his recovery continues as swiftly.

I ran over a drinks can which got chucked up and wedged between my fork and frame whilst at speed on Sunday...so lucky it didn't wedge the wheel by the sounds of things!

Squirrels are douchebags.

I'm glad he's up and around; sounds like a tough lad!

i hate those wooden posts

Ditto that. I think they're spaced just far enough apart that if you caught your front wheel on one (for whatever reason), your face would catch the next one.

All the best, of course.

ouch get well soon,im glad you are going to be ok,all the best

Thanks for the updates guys - really glad to hear the guy is making a good recovery. That's going to be a hell of a story down the pub when he's explaining the scars in a few months' time. Taken out by a squirrel - you couldn't make that one up. Hope he continues to do well.

Ouch!
is it too early to ask? how did the squirrel get on?

I believe squirrel is kaput. Lot's of squirrel's bits and pieces left on the bike (bike is kaput too:-/)
I've seen Neil on Monday and he is healing really fast! Will be left with few scars though. Only one tooth broken but as I'm working in a dental practice (we are mainly dealing with implants) I'm able to help with at least this one thing.